Our Solidarity

Mark 9:38-40 (NLT): Being One in Faith, Hope, and Love

John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.”

“Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.

It is frustrating to discover people who claim to be the “one true church,” as if one Christian denomination or group of believers has the monopoly on Christ’s teaching and, therefore, is entitled to the “fullness” of God’s blessings. While I respect that many Christian elitists are spurred on by their zeal and love for God, they are blind to a major theme expressed in the New Testament: Elitism, entitlement, and special privileges have no place in the kingdom of God and are antithetical to Jesus’ teachings and example.

Many of the readings in the Gospel of Mark highlight the apostles’ misunderstanding of Jesus’ teaching. When Jesus, for instance, teaches about the necessity of his suffering and death, the apostles get it wrong. Peter insists that Christ not suffer and die (Mark 8:32). And the apostles, unable to understand Jesus’ lesson about suffering and death, instead argue about who among them is the greatest (Mark 9:34). Again, elitism, entitlement, and special privileges have no place in the kingdom of God. Discipleship, instead, is about offering ourselves as Christ’s ambassadors; giving our lives in service to others; and representing genuine love, humility, and service in this world. This is Jesus’ mission. And it is ours, too.

As the apostles look around at the people outside of their circle, they notice someone casting out evil. Their skepticism, jealousy, and elitist attitudes prompt them to intervene and try to stop the person. Expecting Jesus to affirm their position, they bring the incident to his attention. Jesus, however, turns the tables and says, “Don’t stop him! . . . Anyone who is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:40). Jesus teaches that we are all one bound by our love for others and our opposition to evil. Faith and loving action are not about labels or special groups. Being part of the revolution that Christ ushers in is about acting in love, not proclaiming an elitist membership. When we act in love, when we cultivate hope, and when we work in service to others, we are part of one family of God, regardless of our religious affiliation.

Heavenly Father, we pray to be one in Christ Jesus your Son. Although we are of many denominations and faith beliefs, we ask to be bound as one by the loving sacrifice and service that Jesus models for the world. And we pray in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.

Have a blessed week!

Stan